The Netherlands Opens Arms To Young Pedalers

February 02, 1986|By Lucy Izon.

Want to crew on a traditional sailing ship? Cycle through the Dutch countryside on your own new bike or tour the Netherlands by moped? All these are economical options for young travelers in the Netherlands this year.

This is the first year that do-it-yourself moped holidays are being operated by the Netherlands Youth Hostel Association. For about $110 NJHC-Travel (a service owned by the Netherlands Youth Hostel Association) will arrange to have a 50 cc moped waiting for you in Amsterdam, the Hague or Arnhem.

According to NJHC, licences are not required. The moped is yours to use for seven days. Participants also are supplied with a helmet, insurance and vouchers good for two nights lodging with breakfast in youth hostels in the Netherlands. Two nights of tent camping also are provided. You must make your own arrangements for lodging on other nights.

You can start the moped holiday any day between March 15 and Oct. 15, but you must make your arrangements at least two weeks in advance. You`ll also be asked to leave a $75 deposit when you pick up the moped. Arrangements can be made by contacting the Amsterdam office of NJHC-Travel.

The idea of a ``do-it-yourself`` moped holiday evolved from the success of similar independent cycle vacations which the Netherlands Youth Hostel Association has offered since 1979. Here`s this year`s arrangement:

For a fee of $168 NJHC-Travel will have a new three-speed bicycle waiting for you when you arrive in Amsterdam, Doorwerth or The Hague. You are buying the bike. You can sell it or bring it home after your trip. To help you get started with your independent tour you also are supplied with four vouchers for overnight accommodations and breakfast (usable in any of the 50 youth hostels of the Netherlands), a road map, a rain poncho, a tire repair kit and a shoulder bag.

You can start an independent cycle package any day between March 15 and Oct. 31. The bikes are available in men`s or women`s models, but only one size is offered. It is suitable for people 5 feet, 4 inches to 6 feet tall. A six- month factory guarantee against contruction defects is valid for the first owner only. NJHC-Travel can supply further details.

These first two packages are suited to travelers who want to remain flexible, choosing their route as they go. If you are willing to tie yourself in to more definite arrangements, the Netherlands Youth Hostel Association has other interesting budget-priced options ranging from an eight-day parachute jumping course to sailing.

Through the summer there will be weekly departures for sailing on traditional ships on the Waddenzee. Last year this drew travelers averaging in age from 16 to 26.

The eight ships used are former flatbottom cargo vessels, converted to carry passengers. As many as three will depart each week. They are equipped with berths, washrooms, running water (some have showers), a kitchen, a lounge and, in case of need, a diesel engine.

The trips start and finish in Enkhuisen, an old fishing town 100 miles north of Amsterdam. The route is dependent on tide and weather. The number of passengers varies depending on the size of the ship used; expect 11 to 20 travelers, with cabins shared by two to six people. There also will be an experienced skipper, shipmate and a cook.

You don`t have to have sailing experience but will be expected to help with sailing and chores such as meal preparation and clean-up.

The ships set sail every Saturday afternoon from May 17 to Sept. 6. A six-night voyage costs $163; 13 nights costs $307. You`ll also have to contribute $52 toward a food kitty for each week. Participants are expected to bring a sleeping bag, rain gear, warm spare clothes, shoes with rubber soles and towels.

You can get further details on any of these programs by contacting NJHC-Travel, Prof. Tulpplein 4, 1018 GX Amsterdam, The Netherlands; phone 020-264433.